Spotted owls, however, lack the distinct vertical barring on the abdomen, and they have a more pronounced "X" in the center of their facial disc. Barred Owl Care. Barred owls in human care must be provided with plenty of flying space. They must also receive a diet that replicates their natural prey, most likely consisting of rodents. Widely distributed through North America, the Barred Owl is a resident of deep forests, including swamps, riparian, and upland habitats. Spotted Owl The barred owl and spotted owl can easily be confused with one another, especially in areas where their ranges overlap. The rich baritone hooting of the Barred Owl is a characteristic sound in southern swamps, where members of a pair often will call back and forth to each other. Mind-boggling Facts About Barred Owls You Probably Didn’t Know. In the twentieth century, it has expanded its range north and west through the boreal forest, and south to northern California. Barred Owl vs. But this attractive owl, with soulful brown eyes and brown-and-white-striped plumage, can also pass completely unnoticed as it flies noiselessly through the dense canopy or snoozes on a tree limb. This species of owl has almost 8 different hooting calls. The barred owl is native to North America, and is known for its distinctive hoots, which are often mistaken for human sounds by people. Although the bird is mostly active at night, it will also call and even hunt in the daytime. They predominantly feed on voles, mink, weasels, rats, hares, rabbits, opossums, meadow voles, bats, squirrels, mice, and shrews. Barred owls, like many birds, are illegal to own in most states. Does the Barred Owl Make a Good Pet. What Do Barred Owls Eat. The barred owl facts about its diet show that these species take anything in that comes in their way as they are opportunistic feeders. Who cooks for you-all?” is a classic sound of old forests and treed swamps. Barred owls have not been domesticated in any way. The Barred Owl’s hooting call, “Who cooks for you?